Write to Know

Sunday

Apr 26, 2009 at 2:00 AM

Dear Write to Know: I am writing on behalf of my son, a U.S. Marine, currently deployed to Iraq. When he left, we assumed there might be computer access for him to communicate with us, and also with his older brothers, who don't live at home.

Computer is requested for son serving in Iraq

Dear Write to Know: I am writing on behalf of my son, a U.S. Marine, currently deployed to Iraq. When he left, we assumed there might be computer access for him to communicate with us, and also with his older brothers, who don't live at home. Also, with extended family in other parts of the country.

But no, where he is stationed, he only has phones, and the call rate is roughly 75 cents a minute. It gets expensive quickly.

I am hoping someone, either a business or individual, would up upgrading a laptop or Notebook, and would be willing to donate a computer. We would arrange to ship it to him, and he would then be able to communicate at no cost. This would be so greatly appreciated.

Finally, to any individuals or businesses, Cape Cares for Troops, may also be in need of support. The group is sponsoring a fundraiser May 24 and 25.

R.F., Harwich

Dear R.F.: Since you provided a phone number, 774-237-0450, this may be the quickest way for anyone with a computer to donate to contact you. We wish you luck.

Stamp price on collection at a philatelic road show

Dear Write to Know: To reader B.K., who is looking for a philatelist to appraise a collection, the Cape Cod Area Philatelic Group will hold a Philatelic Road Show, 6:30 to 9 p.m. May 27 at our usual meeting place, the Cape Cod Community Media Center, Channel 17, located at 307 White's Path, South Yarmouth.

Members attending, representing a broad range of philatelic knowledge, will offer informal opinions, free of charge, and at least two dealer-members will be there. Anyone interested in, or curious about, stamps is welcome to attend.

Douglas Clark, president

Dear Mr. Clark: Thanks for the information. We often receive inquiries regarding stamps and stamp collections. See the next two letters, for instance.

Local philatelists offer to buy, value collection

Dear Write to Know: Saw the request in your column from writer B.K., who has a stamp collection. I have saved stamps since I was nine years old. Now I am 73, and most likely will pass them on to my son and daughter, who, I am sure, will pass them along to their children to enjoy, as I have over the years.

If reasonable, I would be interested in acquiring B.K.'s collection, and assure him (or her) that this will be for satisfaction and enjoyment, and not for any financial gain. If interested, I may be contacted at 508-398-0446. Also, I live in the Yarmouth area. Thank you.

D.K., via e-mail

Dear Write to Know: I am an avid stamp collector of more than 50 years, and an active member of the Cape Cod Stamp Club, in Falmouth and Harwich. Although I do buy collections when they become available, I would be more than happy to give a fair market value to B.K., Sandwich, who inherited a stamp collection, as in Sunday's column.

I can supply many references of previous sellers/collectors. Should you get future requests for stamp information, please feel free to list me. I am certain I will give a better value than a dealer. I may be reached at 508-771-1753.

C.R., via e-mail

Dear D.K. and C.R.: We are forwarding your messages to B.K., Sandwich. Thanks for writing.

A village by any other name is still same town

Dear Write to Know: The town of Barnstable has 11 to 12 villages, each with a unique name. The town of Dennis has five, but each has "Dennis" as part of its name. Can you explain why, in the obituaries and a previous Sunday, in the Real Estate section, all five Dennis villages are referred to as Dennis, but Barnstable villages are specifically named?

When someone from Cotuit dies, the beginning of the obit reads "Cotuit," but when someone from East Dennis passes away, the obit reads "Dennis."

The house for sale that Sunday was listed as 27 Church St., Dennis. I believe Church Street is in West Dennis. Even Map Quest could not direct me to the correct location. This may happen in other towns with multiple villages but, as I live in Dennis, it is what I notice most often. I just wonder why the difference.

J.S., Dennis

Dear J.S.: You're right, Church Street is in West Dennis. As for the dateline in obituaries, we found three in three days, two giving Dennisport, the other East Dennis. So, let's hope the ones you saw naming Dennis were actually from Dennis, not East, West, South or Dennisport, although we can understand your concern.

Some ads we noticed provided a street address (a number on Main, for instance) as well as the town, West Dennis, and its ZIP ode. A spokeswoman in the Dennis assessors office noted there are five Main Streets, and what may be also confusing is that East Dennis residents have to use a post office box address, because there is no home delivery there.

As for obits, because they are paid for privately, the dateline is what the family chooses to use, either a particular village or the general location of Dennis. "A lot also depends on the way things were set up," the office staffer said, admitting that perhaps you are particularly sensitive because you live there.

Presidential greetings sent to seniors 80 plus

Dear Write to Know: My husband is approaching his 88th birthday. I believe there is a specific White House address to contact to generate a birthday greeting from the president for such seniors. Unfortunately, I've lost that address. Would appreciate same.

L.P., Martha's Vineyard

Dear L.P.: You may request a birthday greeting signed by President Barack Obama for your husband by writing Greetings Office, The White House, Washington, DC. 20502-0039. Be sure to do this four to six weeks in advance, give his name, address, age and date. Make sure to include your name and phone number, if there are questions.

You may also fax a request to 202-395-1232. Anyone 80 years old and over is eligible to receive this White House greeting.

Easy Share camera not so easy without booklet

Dear Write to Know: I am very much in need of the instruction booklet for my Kodak Easy Share camera, C 330. I would greatly appreciate any help your readers can give regarding this booklet. Thank you for printing this.

G.M., Harwich

Dear G.M.: Should readers have a copy of the booklet to offer or lend, we will forward any replies to you. "Camera Instructions" should be noted on the envelope or e-mail subject line.

Clearing path to learning about 2009 Cape Walk

Dear Write to Know: Last year, Cape Cod Pathways sponsored an event called Cape Walk, which began in Provincetown, ended in Bourne, and ran for nine consecutive days from May 31 through June 8. Will this group be conducting the event again this year, and, if so, when?

I have been unable to obtain any information on this and would be interested in participating. Thanks for your help.

M.B., West Barnstable

Dear M.B.: The event is sponsored by the Cape Cod Commission and will be somewhat different this year, with not just one long walk, but a series of 33 short walks, ranging in difficulty and time from one hour to several, and led by historians, naturalists, geologists or "simply walking enthusiasts," according to Heather, Pathways planner.

This spring's walking weekend is scheduled June 5 to 7, honoring National Trails Day. A brochure is being prepared and should be available in a few weeks; your name has been placed on the mailing list.

A fall walking weekend has been held over the Columbus Day holiday for the past 15 years.

For information on both events, you may check the Web site, capecodcommission.org/pathways, or call 508-362-3828 for additional questions.

How to protect shingles from woodpecker holes

Dear Write to Know: I have a problem and am wondering if you or your readers can help. In the last few weeks, we have had woodpeckers on our house shingles, and they are making holes. We're not sure what to do about this, and any suggestions would be appreciated.

L.D., Mashpee

Dear L.D.: In most cases, those woodpeckers are attracted to the hollow sound, associated with the spring mating ritual, explained Dennis Morley, naturalist with the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and normally it's a temporary event with no widespread damage. "They won't eat the house," he said.

One thing you can do is purchase 5- by 7-inch aluminum sheets, known as stepflashing, used to connect the roof with sidewall shingles. These are available at lumber yards.

However, if the drumming began earlier this year and is prolonged, it might be an early warning of carpenter ants, and the woodpeckers could be flickers, Morley said. Should readers offer other suggestions, we'll print them.

Knee surgery patient needs exercise bicycle

Dear Write to Know: We are looking for an electric exercise bicycle. My husband had knee surgery and now has to exercise. Maybe one of your readers has such a bicycle to offer, even at a reasonable price, or would consider renting it out for a month. Our phone number is 508-255-5367. Thank you.

E.C., Brewster

Dear E.C.: Those terms are reasonable enough, just hope someone will come to your husband's assistance.

Stuck on finding solution for Super Glued counter

Dear Write to Know: Hope you or one of your readers can help us with our problem. We inadvertently spilled Super Glue on our kitchen counter and cannot get it up. It is not Formica, nor do I know what the countertop material is, but hope there's a solution possible. Thank you in advance.

M.H.C., Osterville

Dear M.H.C.: From "Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things" comes this suggestion for removing the glue: Clean dried glue from virtually any hard surface with ease. Simply spray WD-40 on the spot, wait at least 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

And, from "Haley's Cleaning Hints," for a counter cleaner, fill spray bottle with equal parts water, white vinegar and a teaspoon of salt. Shake well to dissolve the salt. You can also substitute lemon juice for the vinegar.

Also, a paste of baking soda and water (or lemon juice) works, too. Rub, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse off. Or, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons ammonia and one cup of warm water. Wipe or sponge on the solution and rinse off.

If readers who have had similar experiences with Super Glue contact us with solutions, we'll be in touch. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed that one of the above possibilities will work for you.

Taking a spin on asking for a recumbent bicycle

Dear Write to Know: I am no longer able to use a treadmill or regular exercise bike due to a back problem, but can utilize a recumbent bike. Would anyone have one that is no longer being used, and is available to give away or sell for a reasonable price? I may be reached evenings at 508-759-3608. Thank you in advance.

J.G., Bourne

Dear J.G.: Hope there is a wheel deal in the future for you.

Trying to identify song about U.S. and Canada

Dear Write to Know: Do you or any of your readers recall a recording about the U.S. and Canada being allies? The song went on to explain how the U.S. has come to aid other countries. I heard it first on the radio, and again after 9/11.

I would like to know the name of the song, recording artist and where I can purchase it.

K.T., Bourne

Dear K.T.: Sorry, we're not familiar with it, but let's hope a reader is. If so, we'll be in touch.